Leeds Rhinos: Our pride has been dented, admits McDermott

LEEDS RHINOS were reeling today from their most embarrassing defeat in 16 years.
Former Rhinos hooker Paul McShane scored one of Castleford's 12 tries.Former Rhinos hooker Paul McShane scored one of Castleford's 12 tries.
Former Rhinos hooker Paul McShane scored one of Castleford's 12 tries.

Under-strength Rhinos were destroyed 66-10 by a brilliant Castleford Tigers side in front of a sell-out 11,500 crowd at the Jungle last night.

It was Tigers’ highest-ever score against their neighbours and the second-most points conceded by Leeds in a Super League game.

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Leeds had not leaked more than 60 points since a 62-18 drubbing at Bradford Bulls in September, 2001.

Boss Brian McDermott admitted he would have been disappointed to see his under-19s beaten by that scoreline.

But he paid full tribute to Tigers and he said: “As crazy as this might sound, I didn’t really think we were really that bad in the first half.

“I didn’t think we were miles and miles off, I just thought Castleford were brilliant – they were absolutely white-hot in the first half.

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“In the second we played without momentum and belief and got rattled and made too many defensive errors.

“Everybody’s pride is hurting and you do ask questions, but I think that’s one of the best offensive performances I’ve seen.

“Luke Gale tore us apart. I can’t remember too many more clinical offensive performances that any team has put on in Super League.”

Tigers boss Daryl Powell said: “We were really good.

“Leeds are in a bit of a tough patch they lost a few players and it was a tough night for them, but for us there’s so much good going on in the team at the moment.

“Players are playing right at the top of their game.”